The Seminary Explores

The Church of the Augsburg Confession in Serbia and Slovakia

Former Gettysburg Seminary student Ivan Belanji discusses the Lutheran church in Serbia and Slovakia, and describes his study at the seminary in Bratislava.

The Ins and Outs of ELW, from Someone who was There!

In this episode Mark Mummert takes us behind the scenes of the creation of Evangelical Lutheran Worship, explaining why certain decisions were made [The Lord’s Prayer!  The hymns!  The Psalter!], and how ELW serves as a window onto who we are as a church today, past, present and future, both locally and globally.

A Youth Extravaganza

Jay Eckman, a second year student at Gettysburg Seminary, talks about his involvement with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 2015 Youth Gathering in Detroit.  He explores the importance of the Youth Gathering for the life of the church as well as the importance of the gathering for his own preparation for pastoral ministry.

Welcoming a new face and a new perspective: Dr. Vince Evener

In this episode we welcome to the faculty of Gettysburg Seminary Dr. Vince Evener, Visiting Instructor in Reformation and Luther Studies, and hear about his background and his work in Luther Studies.

Vincent Evener received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago Divinity School in June 2014.  His research focuses on how Martin Luther and other reformers worked to achieve a daily transformation, including an intensification of devotion, in the lives of Christians.

Re-contextualizing American Lutheranism

In this episode, a theologian, Dr. Largen, and a historian, Rev. Dr. Maria Erling, talk about the construction of Lutheran identity, and how it relates both to theological doctrines and also social, historical context.  The issue of slavery is discussed as one example of such identity construction.

Reconciling in Christ, the Purpose and the Process

Shirley Armstrong, Psychological Counselor and Peer Education Advisor at Gettysburg College describes the goals of The Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program is for congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, and other Lutheran organizations. RIC recognizes Lutheran communities that publicly welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender believers.  She discusses the need for churches to make a statement on the subject, but stresses that the main objective is to get people talking with each other, not simply taking votes.

Parish Ministry in this Time of Change

Pastor Brown discussed her week as Minister-in-Residence at Gettysburg Seminary with Dr. Strobert. She describes her conversations with students, preaching and presiding in chapel as well as attending and lecturing in seminary classes. Pastor Brown also discussed her context of parish ministry at Advent Lutheran Church in New York City. It has an immigrant population in addition to being in a gentrified neighborhood. Although a small congregation, the church is involved in broad social outreach in the community.

Martin Luther and the Jews

Dr. Strobert interviews Dr. Brooks Schramm (Kraft Professor of Biblical Studies)and Dr. Kirsi Stjerna (Professor of Reformation Church History) at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and co-authors of Martin Luther, the Bible, and the Jewish People: A Reader about Martin Luther and his perspective on the Jewish people.  Highlights of this discussion include:

1. Martin Luther’s perspective on the Jews comes from his scholarly work as a professor of Old Testament.

2. The social context of the Jews as a people of 'fragile communities' must be considered in discussions.

3. Martin Luther never personally encountered a Jewish person.

4. The importance of the printed word was an important component in publicizing Luther’s unique views on Jews.